TOM STUTT – GRAPHIC & WEB DESIGNER
Posted February 12th by Amber Bird in Graphic Designers, Web DesignersOur final feature of Graphic Design week is Tom Stutt who is a Graphic and Web designer from Bristol. He produces simple yet stunning graphics and is a perfect candidate for rounding off this week!
Enjoy!
-Interview
Hello and Welcome to Design Splat Tom!
To get the readers started tell us a bit about what you do:
Hi, I’m Tom Stutt, a 25 year old graphic and web design based in Bristol.
How long have you been a designer for?
I’ve been designing for about 2 years now as a freelancer.
How did you get into Web & Graphic Design?
I’ve always had a love for design since I was at school and about 2 years ago decided to set up a website and give it a go. I did a few things for friends and family and eventually got my first client and it went from there.
Do you have qualifications in design? How important do you think qualifications are for designers?
I have a diploma in Design and Innovation from The Open University and am currently working towards a degree in Technology: Design and Innovation also from The Open University.
I don’t think you need to have qualifications to be able to design. As long as you are committed to your work and are willing to teach yourself then you should be fine. I think having a degree helps when getting a job though.
When creating graphics, what to you is the most important aspect: planning design or implementation? and why?
All the above really. Planning makes the rest a lot easier. But design and implementation is what the clients want to see, and that’s all that matters to them. If the design isn’t right then it won’t be implemented so they all are important in their own sense.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I’m quite an ambitious person so I probably should say working in a studio gaining lots of experience but I’m going to say having my own studio and have other great designers working with me.
If you could design a website for anyone who would it be?
I can’t think of anyone specific but I like designing for local businesses, so a mix of cool little shops would be nice.
How do you rate yourself as a designer?
Fairly new with still a lot to learn. I would say that I’m ok but could always be better.
In your eyes what makes a good designer?
Being open to what the client wants and also having a great imagination. And also willing to learn and keep learning new things.
Where do you go for inspiration?
I just look around the web and objects around me.
What obstacles – if any, have you encountered along the way?
I think getting that first client was tough. They want to see your portfolio but you don’t really have one because of being new.
Do you think the design industry is difficult to break into as the industry is forever growing?
I don’t know whether it’s difficult because if you can’t get a studio job then just go freelance. But I think getting that brilliant studio job is quite tough to get and that is where you get the real experience.
What drives you/give you the ‘go’ to keep at it and do everything?
I think the love to design. I love what I do.
Does fame attract you?
Not really. It’s nice to have people know who you are and appreciate what you do.
Do you get bored with your job if yes how do you overcome this?
Never. I can never get bored of design. It’s so fun and I love being creative.
Favourite typeface?
I like Lobster and everyone’s favorite, Helvetica.
What software couldn’t you live without?
Notepad++ and Illustrator. If I don’t have these I won’t be able to do my work.
Three words to describe yourself?
Fun, Optimistic and Ambitious.
Hobbies and other interests?
I love football (Bristol City), but when I’m not working all I want to do is spend time with my wife and 2 kids.
Tools of the trade?
Sony Vaio laptop
Best and worst piece of work?
My best piece of work is probably the website I did for Sweetie Pie (http://www.sweetiepiesweets.co.uk) as it was the first e-commerce site I had set up and it was really fun to do.
I happy with all my pieces of work at the moment so I don’t have a worse piece.
Any Tips or advice to share with aspiring designers?
Keep going, don’t give up and have an open mind. Oh and listen to other people. Remember that they have been and done it.
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Contact Details:
Links of websites:
http://www.tomstuttdesign.co.uk
http://www.lovebusinesscards.com
Email: info@tomstuttdesign.co.uk
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tom-Stutt-Design/150820236568?v=wall
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/tomstuttdesign
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Examples of Tom’s work:
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